Workington Town will take on a Widnes Vikings Under-19 side in their opening pre-season friendly on January 21.

Super League outfit Widnes will also use the fixture to give several first teamers a run out at Derwent Park, ko 3pm.

This will be new coach Dave Clark’s first look at his new squad in action, ahead of the new League One season.

Town director of rugby Les Ashe said: “The Widnes match will be a good first blow out for the team and a good test.

“We’re also in talks about another friendly against a Super League team for the end of January which would give us two friendlies and the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy before the season starts.”

Ashe indicated that the club’s squad building was still under way.

He added: “Pre-season training has gone very well,” he said.

“We’re in negotiations with some further players to bring the squad up to full strength.

“Dave Clark and his coaching team have put together a very intensive programme and the players new and old have bonded really well.”

Widnes Vikings chief executive James Rule said his club were delighted to build stronger links in the area.

He said: “Widnes Vikings are proud to support rugby league in the Cumbria region.

“As a club, we are keen to develop relationships and links with all of the teams in Cumbria and this fixture with Workington Town is testament to that support.

“We look forward to continuing our relationships moving forward.”

Admission for this game will be £10 adults, £7 concessions and £3 under-16s.